Trilobites at Clunes Primary School

In the last few weeks a few unusual creatures have shown up at Clunes Primary School. Trilobite, dinosaurs, shell fossils and even some fossil trees have been sighted in the classrooms.

It is all part of a joint program between the Primary School and the University of Ballarat’s School of Science and Engineering and will run over the next two terms. The aim is to show the fun side of Science and has included talks entitled “Fast Furious Fossils”, "Dinosaur Destruction Day” and for the younger girls and boys “Pet Rocks”. But it is not all talk. We have also made trilobite cookies (and eaten them), fossil impressions and stand up dinosaurs. In coming months there will be more fun science with competitions (and prizes for the best at various grade levels) and participation in a forensic science style research project. Some students are collecting their toenails (yes, toenails!) and these will be analysed to see if they reflect the environment in which the students live. There are also soil testing trials and we may even test out what is in the giant pumpkins growing in the School vegetable garden.

If you are interested to find out more, please contact Dr Kim Dowling or Ms. Dora Pearce (University of Ballarat) or Mr. Chris Charleson (Clunes PS).

In the photo, the childs name is Fletcher Tait from grade prep and his teacher is Dianne Bongiorno

To see the full size image click on one of the thumbnails above